By Stefano, founder of The Sweetest Lie | Updated September 2026
Father's Day in Australia falls on the first Sunday of September — but this guide works for birthdays and Christmas too. If Dad wears cologne, the good stuff usually costs $150–$220 a bottle. We make inspired-by versions of the classics, sold under our own name and hand poured in Sydney, from $29. (Or shop all our perfume dupes.)
Why fragrance makes a great gift
It's personal and it gets used every day. The catch has always been price — which is where an inspired-by fragrance helps.
The best men's cologne dupes for Dad
1. Dior Sauvage dupe — Lie 39 ($45)
Clean, fresh and confident: bergamot and pepper over ambroxan. The easiest crowd-pleaser.
2. Paco Rabanne 1 Million dupe — Lie 31 ($29)
Warm, spicy and bold — blood mandarin and cinnamon over leather and amber.
3. Creed Aventus dupe — Lie 38 ($55)
Pineapple and smoky birch over musk — for the dad who'd love Aventus but would never pay for it himself.
4. Paco Rabanne Invictus dupe — Lie 78 ($45)
Fresh and sporty — grapefruit and marine notes over guaiac wood.
5. JPG Ultra Male dupe — Lie 94 ($45)
Sweet and bold — pear and lavender over vanilla.
6. JPG Scandal Pour Homme dupe — Lie 68 ($45)
Warm and honeyed with a tonka base — a bit different from the usual.
7. Dior Homme Intense dupe — Lie 60 ($49)
Powdery iris and lavender over amber and vetiver — quiet and elegant.
8. Dior Fahrenheit dupe — Lie 58 ($49)
The violet-leather classic. If Dad is a Fahrenheit man, he already knows.
9. Montblanc Legend dupe — Lie 90 ($29)
Clean, crisp and universally liked — the safest pick for a hard-to-buy-for dad.
Quick guide
| If Dad likes… | Get him… | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh, versatile | Lie 39 (Sauvage) | $45 |
| Bold, confident | Lie 31 (1 Million) | $29 |
| A statement signature | Lie 38 (Aventus) | $55 |
| Active, sporty | Lie 78 (Invictus) | $45 |
| Sweet and warm | Lie 94 (Ultra Male) | $45 |
| Something different | Lie 68 (Scandal) | $45 |
| Elegant, powdery | Lie 60 (Homme Intense) | $49 |
| A classic | Lie 58 (Fahrenheit) | $49 |
| Safe everyday | Lie 90 (Legend) | $29 |
Buying a few? Buy 3, Get 1 Free applies automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Are these genuine designer fragrances?
No. They're independently made and sold under our own name; we're not affiliated with any designer house. They're inspired by the originals, not identical copies.
How long do they last?
They're Eau de Parfum strength; longevity varies by scent and skin.
Best for a man who doesn't usually wear fragrance?
Lie 39 (Sauvage-inspired) or Lie 90 (Legend-inspired).
Vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes.
Shipping?
Australia-wide from Sydney; free over $99.
